Fragmented polymeric compositions and methods for their use

Abstract

Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of treating a patient with a hemostatic composition, the method comprising:
 delivering the hemostatic composition to a treatment site of the patient, 
 wherein the hemostatic composition comprises a mixture containing an amount of thrombin and an amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel having an equilibrium swell value within a range from 400% to 1300%. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the treatment site is a bleeding site or bleeding tissue surface of a patient, or an abraded or damaged tissue surface of a patient. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the delivery step includes extruding the mixture from a syringe to the treatment site. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the tissue surface comprises an organ surface selected from the group consisting of a liver surface, a spleen surface, a heart surface, a kidney surface, an intestine surface, a blood vessel surface, and a vascular organ surface. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 2 , comprising delivering the hemostatic composition to the bleeding site or bleeding tissue surface of the patient. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 2 , comprising delivering the hemostatic component to the abraded or damaged tissue surface. 
     
     
       7. A method of treating a patient with a hemostatic composition, the method comprising:
 delivering the hemostatic composition from a syringe to a treatment site of the patient, 
 wherein the hemostatic composition comprises a mixture containing an amount of aqueous buffer and an amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel having an equilibrium swell value within a range from 400% to 1300%. 
 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the aqueous buffer comprises sodium phosphate. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the aqueous buffer comprises sodium chloride. 
     
     
       10. A method of treating a patient with a hemostatic composition, the method comprising:
 delivering the hemostatic composition from a syringe to a treatment site of the patient, 
 wherein the hemostatic composition comprises a mixture containing an amount of sterile saline for injection and an amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel having an equilibrium swell value within a range from 400% to 1300%. 
 
     
     
       11. A method of treating a patient with a hemostatic composition, the method comprising:
 delivering the hemostatic composition from a syringe to a target site of the patient, 
 wherein the hemostatic composition comprises a mixture containing an amount of sterile water and an amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel having an equilibrium swell value within a range from 400% to 1300%. 
 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the gelatin gel is at least partially hydrated. 
     
     
       13. A method of treating a patient with a hemostatic composition, the method comprising:
 delivering the hemostatic composition from a syringe to a treatment site of the patient, 
 wherein the hemostatic composition comprises a mixture containing an amount of aqueous medium and an amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel having an equilibrium swell value within a range from 400% to 1300%. 
 
     
     
       14. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the hemostatic composition consists essentially of the mixture containing the amount of thrombin and the amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel. 
     
     
       15. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the hemostatic composition consists essentially of the mixture containing the amount of aqueous buffer and the amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel. 
     
     
       16. The method according to  claim 10 , wherein the hemostatic composition consists essentially of the mixture containing the amount of sterile saline for injection and the amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel. 
     
     
       17. The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the hemostatic composition consists essentially of the mixture containing the amount of sterile water and the amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel. 
     
     
       18. The method according to  claim 13 , wherein the hemostatic composition consists essentially of the mixture containing the amount of aqueous medium and the amount of resorbable fragmented cross-linked gelatin gel.